You can buy prepaid cards at most major retailers, banks, and online

Prepaid cards are sold in three main places: at the checkout counter of grocery stores and pharmacies, through your bank or credit union, and on websites. The card itself costs nothing — you pay a fee only when you load money onto it or use it. Most retailers stock them near the gift card section, and the selection usually includes Visa and Mastercard branded cards from companies like NetSpend, Green Dot, and Walmart's MoneyCard.

The easiest route depends on what you need the card for and whether you already have a bank account. If you want to set up direct deposit of a paycheck, a bank-issued prepaid card often has lower ongoing fees. If you need a card today for a one-time purchase, a retail location is faster than waiting for mail delivery.

Key Takeaways

  • Prepaid cards are sold at grocery stores, pharmacies, Walmart, Target, and online retailers, usually near the gift card section.
  • Bank and credit union prepaid cards often have lower monthly fees than retail versions, especially if you set up direct deposit.
  • Retail prepaid cards cost between $3 and $10 at purchase, while bank versions may be free or cost $5 to $15 depending on the institution.
  • You load money onto the card after purchase, either in-store, online, or through direct deposit.
  • Fees vary widely by card and by how you use it — compare monthly maintenance fees, ATM fees, and transaction fees before buying.

Prepaid cards at grocery stores and pharmacies

The fastest way to get a prepaid card is to walk into a grocery store or pharmacy and buy one off the shelf. Stores like Kroger, Safeway, Walgreens, and CVS stock multiple brands in the checkout area or near the gift cards. You pay the card's set up fee at the register — usually $3 to $10 — and walk out with the card in hand.

The card itself is empty until you load money onto it. You can do this at the same store using a PIN pad, online through the card issuer's website, or by phone. Some cards let you load money at any store that carries them; others limit you to specific retailers. Check the back of the card or the receipt to see which loading options are available.

Retail prepaid cards are convenient for one-time use or short-term needs, but they often charge monthly maintenance fees ($5 to $10) and ATM fees ($2 to $3 per withdrawal). If you plan to use the card regularly, these fees add up quickly.

Prepaid cards through banks and credit unions

Your own bank or credit union may offer a prepaid card, sometimes called a reloadable debit card or prepaid account. These cards are designed for people who want a checking-account alternative without the overdraft fees or credit check. Many banks issue them free or for a small one-time fee ($5 to $15), and monthly maintenance fees are often waived if you set up direct deposit.

To get one, visit your bank's website or walk into a branch and ask about prepaid card options. You will need to provide an ID and proof of address, just as you would for a regular checking account. The card usually arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days, though some banks offer when ready-issue cards you can use the same day.

Bank prepaid cards typically have lower ongoing costs than retail versions, especially if your paycheck is deposited directly. ATM fees are often waived at your bank's ATMs, and some banks offer fee waivers for other transactions too. If you do not have a bank account and want to avoid high retail fees, opening a prepaid account at your bank is usually the cheapest long-term option.

Online retailers and card issuer websites

You can order prepaid cards directly from the issuer's website — Green Dot, NetSpend, and Walmart MoneyCard all sell online. You can also buy them through Amazon, PayPal, and other online retailers. The card is mailed to you, usually within 5 to 10 business days, and you load money onto it once it arrives.

Online ordering is useful if you want to compare cards side by side before buying, or if you prefer not to visit a store. The downside is the wait time — you cannot use the card until it arrives. Some issuers offer rush delivery for an extra fee, but this adds to the total cost.

When you order online, the set up fee is the same as in-store ($3 to $10), and you pay it when you load your first deposit. Read the terms carefully before ordering, because return policies vary. Some issuers let you return an unused card for a refund; others do not.

Comparing fees across different cards

The purchase price of the card is only the first cost. Before you buy, compare the ongoing fees, because they vary widely and can eat into your balance. Here are the main fees to check:

  • Monthly maintenance fee: $0 to $10 per month, sometimes waived if you meet a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
  • ATM withdrawal fee: $0 to $3 per withdrawal, depending on whether you use your issuer's ATM network or a different bank's.
  • Reload fee: $0 to $5 per reload, though many cards offer free reloads at certain retailers.
  • Inactivity fee: $0 to $5 per month if you do not use the card for a set period, usually 90 days or more.
  • Customer service fee: Some cards charge $1 to $2 to speak to a representative by phone.

A card with a $5 monthly fee and $2 ATM fees can cost you $60 to $80 per year if you withdraw cash twice a month. A bank prepaid card with no monthly fee and free ATM access costs nothing. If you plan to use the card regularly, the bank option almost always wins on cost.

What to bring when you buy in person

If you are buying a prepaid card at a retail location, you do not need anything — the card is on the shelf and you can pay for it like any other item. You do not need an ID or a bank account to buy the card itself.

However, you will need an ID to load money onto it if you load it in-store at the register. Some retailers require ID for any transaction over a certain amount, usually $500 or $1,000. If you are loading a large amount, bring your ID to be safe.

If you are opening a prepaid account at a bank, bring a government-issued ID (driver's license or passport) and proof of address (a recent utility bill or lease). The bank will ask for your Social Security number to set up the account.

Prepaid cards vs. other payment options

Prepaid cards are not the only way to pay without a traditional bank account. Debit cards linked to a checking account offer similar functionality but require a bank account and may come with overdraft fees. Money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram let you send cash without a card, but fees are higher and they are slower. Gift cards from specific retailers work like prepaid cards but can only be used at that retailer.

Prepaid cards are most useful if you want a reloadable card that works anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted, but you do not want to open a full bank account or you want to avoid overdraft fees. If you have access to a bank account, a regular checking account with a debit card is usually cheaper in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a bank account to buy a prepaid card?

No. You can buy a prepaid card at any retail location without a bank account, ID, or credit check. You only need an ID if you are loading a large amount of money at the register. Bank-issued prepaid cards do require you to open an account, which involves providing an ID and proof of address.

Can I use a prepaid card to get cash from an ATM?

Yes, but you will usually pay a fee. Retail prepaid cards charge $2 to $3 per ATM withdrawal. Bank prepaid cards often waive ATM fees at their own ATMs and sometimes at other banks' ATMs too. Check the card's fee schedule before buying to see which ATMs are free.

How long does it take to load money onto a prepaid card?

In-store loads are when ready — you swipe the card at the register and the money is available right away. Online loads through the issuer's website take 1 to 3 business days. Direct deposit takes 1 to 2 business days, depending on your employer's payroll schedule.

What happens if I lose my prepaid card?

Call the card issuer's customer service number (usually on the back of the card or your receipt) and report it lost. Most issuers will freeze the card when ready to prevent fraud. You can request a replacement card, which usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days. Any remaining balance transfers to the new card.

Can I use a prepaid card to build credit?

No. Prepaid cards are not connected to a credit report, so using one does not build credit history. If you want to build credit, you need a credit card or a credit-builder loan. Some banks offer credit-builder prepaid cards that report to credit bureaus, but these are less common and usually have higher fees.